When life gives you a toxic mother, what do you do? You listen, learn, and change your direction! I’m Phylis Mantelli, author of the book “UnMothered: Life With A Mom Who Couldn’t Love Me.” This podcast is a place for mentoring and encouragement as we navigate the complexities of toxic parent relationships. Join me as I share my journey and invite God-filled guests to discuss emotional healing, overcoming childhood trauma, and personal growth. Together, we'll explore new thoughts and pattern ...
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Phylis Mantelli Podcasts
You want to believe God is good, faithful and just but have lived enough life to know that it isn't always that simple or easy. It's alright - pull up a chair and sit a spell. You're in good company. Host Kristi Lowe knows our stories are probably different, but if you’ve been hurt or broken, mad at God or ready to give up - we probably have more in common than you think. Kristi talks candidly the challenges of living out the Christian faith - everything from family dynamics, church hurt, go ...
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Do You Know How To Trust Your Own Instincts? | Episode 115
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20:20Do you trust your instincts? Has your mother or someone else made you feel like your opinions don’t matter? It happens when the enemy sees your beauty and passion and wonderful calling and is trying to kill it. Don’t let him. You have to trust that God has given you the Holy Spirit that you can trust. Listen in to hear what I have to say about this…
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What Would You Tell Your 20-Year-Old Self? | Episode 114
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16:57What would you tell your younger self? Have you ever looked back at your life and said, “Well, that didn’t happen the way I planned it?” I think it’s great to have a plan of what you picture your life to be, but I would recommend learning to pivot a lot. I often tell young women and my own girls that their twenties are their crying years. Let me ta…
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The Mother I Truly Needed vs. The One I Got | Episode 113
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17:40Where did we go when we needed a mom who was caring, attentive, and present, but what we got was completely different. Our mothers were absent, ignored us, and on some occasions, abandoned us altogether. In today’s episode, we are going to explore a real and honest question: “What did I actually need from my mother that I never received?” We get to…
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It's Time to Let the Kiddos Leave For College…Now What? | Episode 112
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18:29The kids are leaving. What happens now? Where do you go now if your whole personality has been that of a mommy to these young children? You have to let your children fly. Don’t clip their wings, or they will never know how to survive in the world without you. Make them successful for the world, not just for that moment Just remember that you've don…
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Have You Made Silent Agreements or Vows From Your Past Trauma? | Episode 111
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22:16How many times have you allowed someone else’s words, comments, or declarations of who you are to stick on you like absolute truth? Is it time to peel back the layers and see if this is something the enemy likes to use as a weapon and keep you from being the wonderful woman God wants you to be? He made you to shine! Let’s dig into this together and…
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Do You Have “Spidey Sense” Because of Your Broken Childhood? | Episode 110
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25:10Do you have “Spidey Sense” when it comes to emotions? Were you the one who always made sure everyone, but especially your mom, was okay? Could you feel the tone of the room as soon as you walked through it? You might be doing this now in your own family. Maybe it’s time to take care of you and stop worrying about everyone else to the point of your …
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What Happens When Your Toxic Mom Gets Sick | Episode 109
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22:44What do you do when your mother wants you to take care of her during an illness or while recovering from surgery? Do you go? Do you walk away from her demand to help? The answer is so layered, but one thing is sure: don’t do it out of guilt! Let’s figure out a plan so you don’t regret your choice, no matter what that choice is. Let’s Connect! Follo…
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Most Downloaded Episodes | Are You The ‘Black Sheep’ Of The Family Or The Truth-Teller? | Episode 62
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19:05We are taking July off to enjoy a much-needed summer vacation! We hope you take some time to relax this summer as well, and we will chat with you back in August. In the meantime, enjoy some of the most downloaded episodes! How do you define the black sheep in the family? Has this label been placed on you because you don’t abide by the dysfunction i…
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Most Downloaded Episodes | The Truth About Growing Up With Emotionally Immature Parents | Episode 31
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18:58We are taking July off to enjoy a much-needed summer vacation! We hope you take some time to relax this summer as well, and we will chat with you back in August. In the meantime, enjoy some of the most downloaded episodes! What was it like growing up in your home? In my home, I felt like I was constantly dealing with a teenager or even a child. Whi…
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Most Downloaded Episodes | How To Handle Your Toxic Mom & Her Relationship As A Grandmother | Episode 77
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31:24We are taking July off to enjoy a much-needed summer vacation! We hope you take some time to relax this summer as well, and we will chat with you back in August. In the meantime, enjoy some of the most downloaded episodes! This week's episode came as an anonymous request through my weekly newsletter, Tuesday Talks With Phylis (link in bio to sign u…
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Most Downloaded Episodes | An Emotionally Immature Mom vs. A Narcissistic Mom; What Is The Difference? | Episode 72
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29:02We are taking July off to enjoy a much-needed summer vacation! We hope you take some time to relax this summer as well, and we will chat with you back in August. In the meantime, enjoy some of the most downloaded episodes! Over the past few years, I’ve been studying the different types of toxic moms. Imagine my surprise when I started studying abou…
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Has Your Past Caused You To Grow Up Being Afraid? | Episode 108
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21:02Do you get scared or anxious from ordinary things in your life? Can it be tied to past traumatic events? Sometimes the things we react to now are a direct result of the trauma we have gone through as children. We tend to fall into patterns to keep ourselves safe, or so we think. It can keep us prisoners in our own bodies. Learn how to recognize som…
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The Qualities Of A Healthy Mom vs. A Toxic Mom | Episode 107
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25:38What are the qualities or differences in a healthy Mom versus a toxic Mom? Big differences in my opinion. Is there such a thing as a perfect mom? I haven’t met one yet, but I know we can always do better than what we have grown up in if we have, in fact, grown up in toxicity. Let’s talk about what each of these kinds of moms looks like, and see if …
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Happy Mother’s Day: A Daughters Perspective To An UnMothered Mom | Episode 106
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34:00Let’s bring on my daughter on today’s episode and talk about the good, bad and better of moms! Bringing on my daughter can help us understand as moms how we can learn from daughters and the next generation. Listening to them helps us be the best moms we can be. Let us know how you like this episode! Please leave a review or send us a message over o…
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UnMothered Sons: The Hidden Wound Men Carry | Episode 105
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21:09In this powerful and emotional episode, we explore a topic that's often overlooked in conversations around childhood trauma — what happens when men are the ones who were never mothered? What does it look like when a boy grows into a man still carrying the ache of a mother’s absence, and how does that wound ripple through his career, his relationshi…
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Can You Save The Relationship With Your Mom? | Episode 104
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23:10Can you have a relationship with your toxic mother? The answer is easier than you think, and it’s totally up to you and no one else. Let’s explore different ways you could possibly have a relationship with your mother if you think it could work. Let’s Connect! Follow me on IG: The UnMothered Podcast https://www.instagram.com/theunmotheredpodcast/ P…
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Life After You Break The Habits & Patterns of Old Beliefs | Episode 103
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21:31It’s time for you to create some healthy inner talk and stop believing the lies your moms have told you! In my past episodes, we talked about the different ‘types’ of mothers. Today, we are going to touch upon what we need to do to break away from these narcissistic, controlling, overly enmeshed moms. Let’s Connect! Follow me on IG: The UnMothered …
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Do You Have a Calling To Write Your Story? | Episode 102
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33:31Have you ever thought of writing a book? Is a memoir something that God is calling you to? He did for me, and it wasn’t something I ever thought I would do, but has become one of the best things I have ever done. If you are curious, listen to this episode and see if this will confirm what you have been thinking. If you need help getting started, co…
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Perfection & Control: Breaking Free To Find Peace with Christine Hoy | Episode 101
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31:36I had such a great conversation with our guest today! Christine Hoy speaks to women who feel overwhelmed by life's demands and the relentless pursuit of perfection. She had no idea that the emotional and physical burnout she experienced caring for her terminally ill mother would lead to a spiritual transformation in her own life. Answering God’s in…
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How did we get to 100 episodes on this podcast already? Well, come listen and celebrate with me as I walk back down to the beginning of this journey! Thank you so much for being such a great support! I appreciate all my fellow UnMothered's and can't wait to chat with you all for the next 100 episodes! Let’s Connect! Follow me on IG: The UnMothered …
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Were Some Moms Just Never Meant To Be Mothers? | Episode 99
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27:55We have probably all heard the statement, "some moms were just never meant to be moms" but is that true? If you think of the worst toxic mom in your imagination, what would she look like? Some things I’ve been reading (and a few I’ve experienced) are “ignored, abusive, gaslighting, and mentally ill.” These kinds of moms are vital to go “no contact”…
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Did You Grow Up Being The Mother To Your Mom? | Episode 98
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26:30Are you responsible for being the mother to your mother? When you have grown up with someone who is very manipulative and needy, it can in some ways feel good. What you find is that over time, it is exhausting and there is no end to what they take from you emotionally, physically, and mentally. You should be the child, NOT the mother! How do you br…
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Healing From The Impact Of A Controlling Mother | Episode 97
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24:42Let’s take a deep dive into the traits of a controlling mother. Did you grow up with a controlling mom and what exactly does that look like? How can it affect your self-esteem, decision-making, and relationships? While we may not be able to change our mothers, we can change how we react and set boundaries for ourselves. Drawing insights from Mother…
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Growing Up Resilient But Trusting In Love | Episode 96
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26:57Do you always have to be the strong one? Being resilient is a powerful trait, but when it comes to love and relationships, it can also create walls. Many of us learned to be tough because of our upbringing, but real connection requires trust. Don’t let old narratives convince you you can only rely on yourself. Love thrives on trust—both in yourself…
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Is Your Mom Too Enmeshed in Your Adult Life? | Episode 95
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28:01Does your mom think she’s your best friend? Some mother-daughter relationships blur the line between love and control, with moms inserting themselves into every aspect of their daughter’s life—where they live, what job they take, and even how they dress. Often, this stems from a deep fear of being left behind or an unfulfilled need to relive experi…
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Understanding And Letting Go Of Your Mother Wound | Episode 94
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22:58It’s not that your mom doesn't love you, it’s that she doesn’t know how to love you. Have you ever found yourself wondering, ‘Does my mom really love me?’ It’s a painful question that many of us with difficult mothers have asked. In this episode, I dive into the emotional and psychological impact of growing up with a mother who couldn’t love the wa…
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How Our Body Can Hold Onto Our Past Traumas | Episode 93
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28:47Our bodies and minds are such an amazing tool, but it can also be damaged by trauma. When that happens, we can be doing life through a failed truth. Let’s explore how trauma affects our bodies and how it is a real dilemma that most people would rather ignore than face. When we can get real about what our body is feeling during stressful situations,…
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The Truth Surrounding Generational Curses | Episode 92
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19:15Often you might hear: “God, why did this happen to me?” I believe there is a difference between blessings and curses and shifts in our lives. But, we are responsible for some of the choices we make. Also, sometimes things happen that we don’t see coming. But through it all God will work it out for you if you allow Him to be in charge. We need to st…
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Because Of Your Past Trauma, Are You A People Pleaser Or Perfectionist? | Episode 91
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20:59Do you do things out of genuine kindness or because you think people won’t like you if you don’t help? Are you a people pleaser or perfectionist? Have you ever asked yourself where that started and why? Helping others is a great quality but only if you do it out of love, not guilt or shame. Let’s find out who told you to be perfect at all times, an…
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A year of loss has taught me so many things about how different causes of death affect us and ultimately how we handle grief and loss. Also, the timeline for “getting over it” is this…there isn’t one! You have to allow God AND your body to work through grief. I will walk you through some things I have learned and how I feel about loss after a year …
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Are You Emily Lorelai or Rory; Gilmore That Is | Episode 89
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30:58Are you team Lorelai team Emily or maybe even Rory? If you are familiar with the show “Gilmore Girls” you know these characters well. The mother/daughter/granddaughter dynamic had me glued to the show. Whenever there is a mother/daughter storyline, I’m ready to watch and observe. So my question is “which mom is right?” You will have to listen to th…
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A Big THANK YOU PEEPS For Your Support As We Head Into 2025 | Episode 88
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25:01What do your dreams look like and are you ready to make them happen in 2025? Do you know how much you have helped my dreams come true by supporting this podcast? Grateful is an understatement, but today I want to help you fulfill something in your heart that you have been wanting to do. It’s coming up on a new year and you don’t want to waste it by…
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Stay Tuned For Next Week With All New Episodes!
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1:07I will chat with you all next week in the new year, 2025, so exciting! We are having some fun things coming next year, like our 100th episode and so much more. Talk soon peeps! Looking to connect with other UnMothered’s? Join the PRIVATE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheUnmotheredCommunity This podcast is on YouTube now! Go watch …
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Hi peeps! We are taking December off, but we will talk to you all soon in 2025! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and let us know what topics you want to discuss in the new year. Hope you all have a great holiday season! Looking to connect with other UnMothered’s? Join the PRIVATE Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheUnmotheredC…
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The Key To Setting Up A Successful & Healthy Holiday Season | Episode 87
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28:44Holidays are naturally stressful for most of us, but add in a narcissistic mom and it becomes a whole other stressor. Part of our generational dysfunction is putting up with stressful situations with our moms year after year with holiday get-togethers. This year it can be different if you decide to stop the old habits. It’s not easy, and I have don…
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Holidays can be stressful but they don’t have to be traumatic. Join Kristi as she and the amazing Jenn Hand discuss ways to navigate the holidays and set realistic expectations. Jenn is a licensed counselor and trauma therapist, with extensive work overseas and in crisis situations. She’s a darling, precious human and a guest you won’t soon forget!…
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How To Discuss Purity With Your Child When Your Mother Never Taught You | Episode 86
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29:21How many moms raised their kids in the 90’s purity culture? I sure did, and while I did it with good intentions if I could go back in time, I would have done some things differently. One thing I did do was keep the lines of communication open with my daughters so they knew they could always come and talk to me about anything. Listen in as I discuss…
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Preparing for the Holidays with Phylis Mantelli
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36:28The holidays are upon us (like it or not!) and this week we kick things off with a conversation about difficult family members and how to navigate tensions with those whom we love, but ahem, can be a bit difficult sometimes. Listen as Phylis and Kristi discuss strategies around this, and when it's ok to set boundaries, and how to love our sweet fam…
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When You Can’t Trust Your Mother with Family Information | Episode 85
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23:17What do you do when your mother bad-mouths your in-laws and you tell your husband and now she is angry with you? Well, let's track the reason why she felt the need to talk about them in a cruel manner in the first place. Sometimes we can trust our moms with private information, and sometimes we absolutely can not! In this episode, we will explore t…
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Join host Kristi Lowe as she dives into an engaging conversation about the difference between truth and perspective. Through anecdotes and Biblical references, Kristi emphasizes the importance of recognizing truth as constant and absolute, while urging listeners to align their beliefs with Jesus, the embodiment of truth. This episode also addresses…
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How We Can Use The 'Winter Arc' To Finish The Year Strong | Episode 84
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23:38Today, we are discussing the “winter arc,” or the last three months of the year, and how we can reset anything that hasn’t worked so far. Just as the leaves change color and fall away, it is also a time for fresh growth. We can do the same with this year's old habits. We can restart and move away from the things that need new growth. This is the th…
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Kristi Lowe sits down this week with her dear friend Lisa Granger to explore the questions we ask ourselves in seasons of grief. Lisa opens up about losing a family member in a car accident and the doubt she experienced in its aftermath. Through candid conversations, they discuss how Lisa’s faith was profoundly tested, navigating through overwhelmi…
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Parenting, Patterns, and Forgiveness A Conversation with Michelle S. Lazurek | Episode 83
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41:04Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com, and crosswalk.com and has written for Focus on the Family, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Christianity Today. She also is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services. When not working, she enjoys sipping a S…
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From Adversity to Faith-Driven Leadership with Jerry Howard
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43:48It's another fantastic conversation, this time with Jerry Howard, a man whose journey from alcoholism and personal struggle to faith and leadership is nothing short of inspiring. Jerry opens up about his tumultuous past, his transformation through faith in Jesus, and how overcoming adversity led him to his role as a CEO in healthcare. Listen to his…
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Breaking Free From Generational Marriage Roles | Episode 82
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21:05Do you do things in your marriage because it’s what you saw growing up or are you doing things differently because of seeing it go wrong for your parents? So many times we inadvertently do the traditional roles like our parents did. Even if those things are unhealthy, how do we know how to do it differently? Will it blow up in our faces if we ask f…
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In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, host Kristi Lowe sits down with friend Rachel Wojo, to discuss life's most profound moments. Rachel shares her personal journey of losing her daughter to a horrific disease and finding God faithful through the challenges. Hear about her newly released book, Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in…
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It Is Okay To Be Sad But Why Do People Keep Rushing Us To Be Happy? | Episode 81
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28:22Something that’s weighed heavy on my mind lately, is the subject of grief or sadness and how most people are so uncomfortable sitting with themselves and others through it. How do we get to where we are not rushed through this journey? We will all experience loss, sadness, and grief in our lifetime. Let’s get better at understanding it and helping …
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Embracing Discomfort: Lessons from Guatemala
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30:07Kristi Lowe shares her recent experiences from a mission trip to Guatemala with Living Water International. She reflects on her journey of drilling wells, teaching hygiene lessons, and grappling with the intense poverty she witnessed. Kristi discusses the importance of confronting discomfort as a call to action from God, encouraging listeners to re…
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Breaking Free From The Lies Of Rejection with Jessica Van Roekel | Episode 80
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31:42In this episode, we chatted with Jessica Van Roekel about rejection and how it seeps into our childhoods and adult lives. What happens when you start believing the lies that rejection can bring? And what does God want you to feel about rejection? Listen in as we discuss how it can affect friendships, careers, and the lens of how we see others. Jess…
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Join host Kristi Lowe as she engages in a rich conversation about grace with Jennifer Sakata, host of the Living the Grace Life Podcast. Jen and Kristi explore the depth and complexity of grace, the pitfalls of misunderstanding it, and share personal anecdotes about learning to give and receive grace in everyday life. From light-hearted exchanges t…
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